This is one of those rare covers that is generally liked about as well as the original. I honestly think it was the video that took it to where it is. They turned it into a celebration of MJ, and the love carried over to them.
@@MaddyReactions Well, he also gave them permission to do when he heard their rendition of the song and their plans for the video. They needed his clearance. It's a good homage
The whole video is an ode to MJ. The extreme leaning, the monkey, the car windows exploding while on top, the sidewalk tiles lighting up, etc. There's tons of things they put in that are from many many other Michael Jackson songs/videos/performances.
Another fun fact: if it's correct, the Jackson family asked them to play it at the funeral. I'm not sure how true it is, but I've read it from a few different sites. But this was definitely his favorite version.
The mask was because MJ was wearing one in public back then. MJ had creative input/control over this video & he initially asked them to have the kid rerecord his scene without the mask. So they did, but then MJ had them put the masked version back because he liked it better. There's actually a version of the video with the kid maskless still floating around internet.
The entire video is a homage to MJ stuff, including the monkey. MJ had a pet chimp. The sidewalk lighting up is a nod to the Billie Jean music video. The biker dudes were doing a Thriller homage.
MJ gave his blessing to AAF and they pay homage to him through the entire video. Me personally I’m a metal head and I love this one more than the original.
This was the first version of the song I heard. I grew up listening to classic rock and when this song came out I was around 13. Venturing out to newer rock I heard Alien Ant Farms version. When I later heard MJ's original I was bobbing my head thinking this feels just like Alien Ant Farm. I quickly realized MJ's must be the original.
"In May 2001, American rock band Alien Ant Farm released a cover version of "Smooth Criminal" as the second single from their second studio album, Anthology (2001). According to lead singer Dryden Mitchell, the band would play a few riffs of the Jackson song while warming up before gigs and audience members would request them to play the entire song. This positive feedback encouraged them to record their own rendition of "Smooth Criminal" and include it on Anthology. Originally, the song was not planned to be released due to Jacksons copyright infringement, but Michael Jackson listened to the cover, he liked it and let Alien Ant Farm release the single, with the official video. The cover became a number-one hit on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and was also a number-one hit in Australia for eight weeks. In Europe, it reached number three in the United Kingdom and charted within the top 10 in 10 other countries. Alien Ant Farm's 1999 album Greatest Hits includes a hidden track named "Slick Thief", which is an early version of "Smooth Criminal"."
If you notice, there aren't a whole lot of Michael Jackson cover songs out in the world, considering his undeniable influence on music and dance and fashion... You gotta get permission to get permission to ask for permission to cover MJ and Michael Jackson Himself signed off on this gem hahah
5:29 Hey Maddie, there's tons of Micheal Jackson Easter Eggs in this video: The antigravity lean The chimpanzee and the lead vocalist sitting in the sequined glove chair The drummer wearing a sequined glove on his right hand The light up sidewalk and mailbox The lead vocalist jumping up on the roof of the car and doing the shout and windows blowing out The group of guys doing the zombie dance The Asian schoolgirls with the sign reading "We Love AAF" The guys at the end with the yellow contacts in his eyes
Additionally, the girl in the bikini with the werewolf mask jumping in the pool and the guy with the yellow eyes are both references to a certain extra-long music video that I don't want to spoil for you by saying the name. Also, the tattoo on his back is movie star and jewelry mogul Elizabeth Taylor, a friend of Michael's later in her life.
Agreed. It always blows me away that a cover this good came from a young idk.. nu-metal band? Point is id never have heard about them before, just seemed like a bunch of random dudes making a cover of a song by the King of Pop himself and they didn't even just nail it, they made it their b*tch. 😂
Love this and it holds a special place in my heart because I’m named after MJ in tribute to my oldest sister because MJ was her favorite artist and wanted me named after him and she died 3 months before I was born, which screwed me up big time because of genetic trauma, I have nightmares my mom had when I was in the womb
The young generation always misses like 90% of the references in the video. Like the monkey (bubbles), the mask, the lighted squares on the sidewalk, the car roof, etc. They nailed it
What 99% of reactors don't get about this music video is that the whole thing, every different scene and elements are direct references to all of MJs music videos and effects. This is where knowing context is vital to understand this video.
The chorus refrain, "Annie, are you OK?", was inspired by Resusci Anne, a dummy used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Trainees learn to say "Annie, are you OK?" while practicing resuscitation on the dummy.
Yeah I think he did it to try to hide his identity. But Michael was funny because he would do something that at the same time would get him noticed. Often to his detriment he would look or act unusual so the press would talk about him. It worked but he got this reputation for being strange when in reality it was more of an act for attention.
i found some info on smooth criminal and annie... According to Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson's book "You Are Not Alone" his brother kept the true inspiration for the song "Smooth Criminal" hidden because he didn’t want to offend anybody - it was the mid-80s and America and in the throes of the Satanic Panic [one could argue that we are still in throes of it…]. Jermaine claims the song "Smooth Criminal" was inspired by real-life serial killer Richard Ramirez, perhaps better known as "The Night Stalker" who was terrorizing California between April of 1984 and August of 1985. The song appeared on Michael Jackson's album "Bad", which was released in 1987 but was recorded between January 1985 and July 1987, so the timeline certainly matches up. As for Annie, apparently that was a reference to a cpr dummy (often referred to as rescue Annie) that Michael had in his studio and there was a photo of it.
If you think back to Michael during these years, he had a serious love for a heavy guitar and hired some pretty seriously accomplished leads for his touring and studio work. Slash, Eddie Van Halen (although only one short part for one song) and he played live with him, Steve Lukather from Toto, Steve Stevens on Dirty Diana, Carlos Santa on Invicible, Jennifer Batten toured with him and Orianthi both recorded and was set to be his touring guitarist at the time of his death. When I first heard this arrangement, it instantly made me think of his love for the harder stuff that he placed here and there on his albums. It was a good throwback with a great deal of feeling of homage to it (plus the video is really fun). I love this arrangement, and so did Michael (his people were VERY picky about his copyright. If he didn't love it, they never would have given there blessing). So there's a story about Annie. The song is actually inspired by the dummy used for CPR training...Resusci Anne. The refrain is him, presumably asking "are you ok" after administering CPR.
And yes, Annie is ALWAYS ok... if you've done your CPR training correctly. The original song was a dive into MJ's love for Mafia movies and history, and was originally a song about Al Capone. The lyrics 'Are you ok, Annie' are a fun reference to the Anne Rescusci dolls used for BLS training back then, part of which was trying to establish responsiveness of the victim (I personally prefer a sternal rub or brachial pinch, even if the victim is lucid - kidding). Put your mind at ease, no one was harmed in the making of the song or video. Probably.
Not only was this a cover but a tribute to MJ. You must have a mastery in Michael Jackson lore to truly appreciate what they did her. I know you were just here for the song. But you missed so much.
2:43. The chimpanzee are supposed to symbolize Michael Jackson's own chimpanzee Bubbles. I guess that it is Michael Jackson's chimpanzee. 3:22. They do the dance moves from the Thriller music video. 3:37. The lights on the ground symbolizes the light up ground Michael walks on in the Billie Jean music video. 5:13. Those contact lences symbolize the contact lences Michael used at the end of the Thriller music video. So many Michael Jackson references in this music video.
The song is from the movie Moonwalker which the original music video comes from, it has a story, it’s similar to progressive rock bands who had albums that told a story
I can remember where I was when I first saw the Thriller album cover when it first came out, I was in elementary school. To see someone watch this video and not react to the "lean" is kind of strange. If you haven't seen the MJ's Smooth Criminal video, watch it and you will understand what I mean by that. And then watch Billie Jean, with the cuts of just the eyes and the mailbox lighting up. You will have a much greater appreciation for the detail and the homage they pay to MJ. Even the car exploding from Black and White, to the Dirty Diana air vents. They did him proud.
Michael Jackson actually loved hard rock music and that is why he had Eddie Van Halen play on his song "BAD". One of the greatest guitar solos in pop music.
MJ brought everyone together. He is the Goat. There is so much in this song. I remember moonwalker comming out. The lean and the moon walk. You can say whatever. He really did bring community and kids in neighborhood together. If anyone ask me today who was my hero growing up. It was MJ.. as i got older this is a very disturbing song
I just noticed that the kid dancing in the MK surgical mask is also wearing an E.T. t-shirt. Jackson recorded an album narrating the movie (audiobook-style) and wrote a song for it called "Someone in the Dark." Nice, Alien Ant Farm! Deep cut!
The E.T reference on the t-shirt was in relation to "phone home" in cases where you have been inappropriately touched by a black/dark brown/light brown/tanned/white guy with disfigurations to his face and the voice of a creepy child!
Great cover! They put their own spin on the song without butchering it. That said, while Alien Ant Farm is a talented band, but I could never get into their songs.
what i love in this video is the goofy guitar player that does the higher scream :D oh i just noticed he also does a bit of bass slapping like Fieldy in Korn does. i never noticed that before.
I just turned 40. And sweetheart, I love the reaction. Bit you made me feel old as hell by not getting all the video references. Damn. I'm 40 single and screwed lol also, mj loved this version so much. He let them keep the royalties from it.
There's an amalgamation of Jackson's music videos here all in homage to the King of Pop, during the height of the 90's Nu-metal scene. If you're not familiar with MJ's videos, you will have missed a lot. I especially love the Bubbles and white glove homage (the monkey and the chair they're in). I think that the level of detail that they not only put into the music itself, but the video using the history of MJ being kinda celebrated in a cross-cultural or cross-genre way is a very respectful nod to the King of Pop. Once you watch Thriller, Billy Jean, Bad, and Smooth Criminal music videos, come back and watch this again. I'm sure there's more 'Easter eggs' that even I have missed. Love the reaction video, this channel is one of my new favorites and I look forward to seeing more of what you've put out Maddy!
There were tons of easter eggs referencing other Michael Jackson videos. If you watch this video again after seeing more if MJs work you will pick up more of them next time.
AAF is a tough band. They had a rough go, when they were on tour in Europe and got in a bus wreck and a few of crew were killed. They are just now starting to tour again. They had a show just recently here in Seattle.
lol in 2002 a gremlin was worth scrap value. welcome to the modern world that car is worth so much more, i'd LOVE to own a gremlin these days. such classics. This song and it's era of music videos bring me back to a teen immediately. Sum41 videos do the same thing.
The facemask wasn't a covid situation it was a Michal Jackson thing. There was a time he would always wear one on public which prompted rumors that he had a bad plastic surgery result (lose yourself Eminem) or that it was a double so he didn't have to deal with the swarming public which I think coincided with his first child.
Hi Maddy, Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. I really miss the old days when MTV was actually music television, instead of whatever it is now. Very creative and well produced visuals to go with really good songs. ✌️☮️🤙🤟🎸🎶🎵🎼🥁🎤❤️
Nope, I don’t disagree. I know the name Ant Farm. However, It’s been a long time since I heard anything they have done. I like their version. Like you said. It’s on Par. The sound is great, and it’s fun to hear the song in another genre. They did it justice. Now I feel the need to go back and check out their music. I’m very curious to hear more of their work. 👍🏼
As a teen in the 80s, I was witness to MJs' entire career, but was never really drawn to much of his music...so, I, wholeheartedly confess that I prefer this iteration of Smooth Criminal. Of course, all the MJ Easter eggs are to be expected in such a tribute, but why the brief ode to The King Of The Hill cartoon [1:16 mark of original video] ?? I never watched the series, so I might be missing some connection.
Love this version of smooth criminal. You don't seem to be familiar with MJ's music but you missed a lot of references to his songs and videos in this video. Also, the mask has nothing to do with Covid. MJ wore one regularly. Dive into some MJ videos and revisit this one and it'll make more sense to you.
On the contrary in order to fully appreciate this song and music video you need to be first and foremost a MJ fan because AAF is paying homage to MJ. The more you know MJ the more you pick up all the references. This has got to be one of the most successful cross genre covers I've ever heard.
You don't have to be a Jackson fan but you need to be familiar with his life and his work. The only Jackson song I'm a fan of is THRILLER and that's mainly for the video
This, Sound of Silence by Disturbed, and Holding out for a Hero, the Shrek 2 version, top 3 greatest covers that I think surpass the original. Honorable mention is Bad Wolves cover of Zombie, though I don't think it surpasses the original, it is certainly on par with it.
This is one of those rare covers that is generally liked about as well as the original. I honestly think it was the video that took it to where it is. They turned it into a celebration of MJ, and the love carried over to them.
So good!!
Michael actually loved this cover, he said it himself.
Wow!
@@MaddyReactions Well, he also gave them permission to do when he heard their rendition of the song and their plans for the video. They needed his clearance. It's a good homage
facts.
@@willvr4 no they don't. You never need permission to do a cover.
@@Lorrdd I don't think you know how copywrite law works....
The whole video is an ode to MJ. The extreme leaning, the monkey, the car windows exploding while on top, the sidewalk tiles lighting up, etc. There's tons of things they put in that are from many many other Michael Jackson songs/videos/performances.
Oh yeah bubbls.....The wolves and eyes at the end from Thriller/... the glove chair...the kid dancing with the mask... it was so cool.
You called it out correctly. Maddy is too young to know of any of those references. Good comment.
Very cool info!!! Yes, I didn’t know lol 😆 I just thought they were random!
The drummer is wearing one glove
The Elizabeth Taylor tattoo as well
Fun fact: not only were these guys approved by MJ himself for this cover, but they were some of the few invited to his funeral.
Another fun fact: if it's correct, the Jackson family asked them to play it at the funeral. I'm not sure how true it is, but I've read it from a few different sites. But this was definitely his favorite version.
The mask was because MJ was wearing one in public back then. MJ had creative input/control over this video & he initially asked them to have the kid rerecord his scene without the mask. So they did, but then MJ had them put the masked version back because he liked it better. There's actually a version of the video with the kid maskless still floating around internet.
Oh wow!!
The whole video is sprinkled with MJ Easter eggs that were much more familiar to viewers at that time.
The entire video is a homage to MJ stuff, including the monkey. MJ had a pet chimp. The sidewalk lighting up is a nod to the Billie Jean music video. The biker dudes were doing a Thriller homage.
Ahh
MJ gave his blessing to AAF and they pay homage to him through the entire video. Me personally I’m a metal head and I love this one more than the original.
Probably the best MJ song cover so far.
RIP King of Pop.
This was the first version of the song I heard. I grew up listening to classic rock and when this song came out I was around 13. Venturing out to newer rock I heard Alien Ant Farms version. When I later heard MJ's original I was bobbing my head thinking this feels just like Alien Ant Farm. I quickly realized MJ's must be the original.
the Thriller Wolf in the bikini... sooo many MJ references. It's brilliantly done
One of the best covers ever! They did a great job on this!
Yesss
The bassist hitting the high notes is insane.
"In May 2001, American rock band Alien Ant Farm released a cover version of "Smooth Criminal" as the second single from their second studio album, Anthology (2001). According to lead singer Dryden Mitchell, the band would play a few riffs of the Jackson song while warming up before gigs and audience members would request them to play the entire song. This positive feedback encouraged them to record their own rendition of "Smooth Criminal" and include it on Anthology. Originally, the song was not planned to be released due to Jacksons copyright infringement, but Michael Jackson listened to the cover, he liked it and let Alien Ant Farm release the single, with the official video.
The cover became a number-one hit on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and was also a number-one hit in Australia for eight weeks. In Europe, it reached number three in the United Kingdom and charted within the top 10 in 10 other countries. Alien Ant Farm's 1999 album Greatest Hits includes a hidden track named "Slick Thief", which is an early version of "Smooth Criminal"."
Wow!
If you notice, there aren't a whole lot of Michael Jackson cover songs out in the world, considering his undeniable influence on music and dance and fashion... You gotta get permission to get permission to ask for permission to cover MJ and Michael Jackson Himself signed off on this gem hahah
So many references to there MJ songs/videos all throughout this thing. Such love for MJ and such a great cover.
Both are fantastic. I don't need to compare them.
🩷
5:29
Hey Maddie, there's tons of Micheal Jackson Easter Eggs in this video:
The antigravity lean
The chimpanzee and the lead vocalist sitting in the sequined glove chair
The drummer wearing a sequined glove on his right hand
The light up sidewalk and mailbox
The lead vocalist jumping up on the roof of the car and doing the shout and windows blowing out
The group of guys doing the zombie dance
The Asian schoolgirls with the sign reading "We Love AAF"
The guys at the end with the yellow contacts in his eyes
If you are an MJ fan you get 90% of the references in this video.
You also missed the smoke with the lead singer running his hands through his hair ....Was The Pepsi commercial accident that MJ got burn on
Flea!
Additionally, the girl in the bikini with the werewolf mask jumping in the pool and the guy with the yellow eyes are both references to a certain extra-long music video that I don't want to spoil for you by saying the name. Also, the tattoo on his back is movie star and jewelry mogul Elizabeth Taylor, a friend of Michael's later in her life.
@@JohnWilsonComicsGuy The guy with the yellow eyes was Flea, bass player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
prolly THE best cover of any song EVER
Agreed. It always blows me away that a cover this good came from a young idk.. nu-metal band? Point is id never have heard about them before, just seemed like a bunch of random dudes making a cover of a song by the King of Pop himself and they didn't even just nail it, they made it their b*tch. 😂
Best low budget video of all time!
Everything in this vid is an ode to MJ. this is jam packed with easter eggs and references.
Love this and it holds a special place in my heart because I’m named after MJ in tribute to my oldest sister because MJ was her favorite artist and wanted me named after him and she died 3 months before I was born, which screwed me up big time because of genetic trauma, I have nightmares my mom had when I was in the womb
🩷
The chair he was sitting in with the chimp was a silver glove chair sic❤️❤️❤️
*Songs better than the original...this has been on my workout playlist for 20 years*
🩷
The little kid dancing always gets me. What a stud lol
Especially after being molested by MJ, so brave not to have had tears in his eyes 😂
Shut up you complete tit.
A punk rock cover of an 80’s funk song shouldn’t work this well...also the video is so fun.
Yesss
The young generation always misses like 90% of the references in the video. Like the monkey (bubbles), the mask, the lighted squares on the sidewalk, the car roof, etc. They nailed it
What 99% of reactors don't get about this music video is that the whole thing, every different scene and elements are direct references to all of MJs music videos and effects. This is where knowing context is vital to understand this video.
Freak at end was Flea from red hot chilli peppers😅
Ooohhh
I remember Are you okay Annie? being said in a Twin Peaks episode.
The chorus refrain, "Annie, are you OK?", was inspired by Resusci Anne, a dummy used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Trainees learn to say "Annie, are you OK?" while practicing resuscitation on the dummy.
Oh wow!
But once dead, you only have a limited amount of time to harvest the organs.
B.s
The mask symbolizes Michael Jackson. He use to wear one everywhere, especially when traveling.
Yeah I think he did it to try to hide his identity. But Michael was funny because he would do something that at the same time would get him noticed. Often to his detriment he would look or act unusual so the press would talk about him. It worked but he got this reputation for being strange when in reality it was more of an act for attention.
No Covid predictions. Michael Johnson always wore a mask.
This is better than the original. No question.
You NEED to watch more MJ Music videos to catch all the tributes to MJ in this vid
i found some info on smooth criminal and annie... According to Michael Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson's book "You Are Not Alone" his brother kept the true inspiration for the song "Smooth Criminal" hidden because he didn’t want to offend anybody - it was the mid-80s and America and in the throes of the Satanic Panic [one could argue that we are still in throes of it…]. Jermaine claims the song "Smooth Criminal" was inspired by real-life serial killer Richard Ramirez, perhaps better known as "The Night Stalker" who was terrorizing California between April of 1984 and August of 1985. The song appeared on Michael Jackson's album "Bad", which was released in 1987 but was recorded between January 1985 and July 1987, so the timeline certainly matches up. As for Annie, apparently that was a reference to a cpr dummy (often referred to as rescue Annie) that Michael had in his studio and there was a photo of it.
I’m fairly certain the fella at the end with the silverware Mohawk was Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers.
If you think back to Michael during these years, he had a serious love for a heavy guitar and hired some pretty seriously accomplished leads for his touring and studio work. Slash, Eddie Van Halen (although only one short part for one song) and he played live with him, Steve Lukather from Toto, Steve Stevens on Dirty Diana, Carlos Santa on Invicible, Jennifer Batten toured with him and Orianthi both recorded and was set to be his touring guitarist at the time of his death.
When I first heard this arrangement, it instantly made me think of his love for the harder stuff that he placed here and there on his albums. It was a good throwback with a great deal of feeling of homage to it (plus the video is really fun). I love this arrangement, and so did Michael (his people were VERY picky about his copyright. If he didn't love it, they never would have given there blessing).
So there's a story about Annie. The song is actually inspired by the dummy used for CPR training...Resusci Anne. The refrain is him, presumably asking "are you ok" after administering CPR.
And yes, Annie is ALWAYS ok... if you've done your CPR training correctly. The original song was a dive into MJ's love for Mafia movies and history, and was originally a song about Al Capone. The lyrics 'Are you ok, Annie' are a fun reference to the Anne Rescusci dolls used for BLS training back then, part of which was trying to establish responsiveness of the victim (I personally prefer a sternal rub or brachial pinch, even if the victim is lucid - kidding). Put your mind at ease, no one was harmed in the making of the song or video. Probably.
Ahhh
I did not do my training correctly and my Annie is not OK please help
This version is good 👍🏼
Two things: 1/ "Annie, are you ok?" is a CPR training reference. 2/ The animal in the video is a Chimpanzee, which is an Ape, not a Monkey.
Not only was this a cover but a tribute to MJ. You must have a mastery in Michael Jackson lore to truly appreciate what they did her. I know you were just here for the song. But you missed so much.
I love how they have all these MJ easter eggs....
Mike Tyson had a tiger....MJ had bubbles (chimp) lol.
Oh wow
You’re asking the tough questions, Maddie lol
😂
Banger 🔥🔥🔥 Always makes me think of that scene from American Pie tho 💀
Oooh haven’t seen it!
This is one of the best song cover in general. 🔥🔥🔥
Most agree this version is actually better. They absolutely killed it with this one
2:43. The chimpanzee are supposed to symbolize Michael Jackson's own chimpanzee Bubbles. I guess that it is Michael Jackson's chimpanzee.
3:22. They do the dance moves from the Thriller music video.
3:37. The lights on the ground symbolizes the light up ground Michael walks on in the Billie Jean music video.
5:13. Those contact lences symbolize the contact lences Michael used at the end of the Thriller music video.
So many Michael Jackson references in this music video.
Just found your channel tonight- loving it!!!
the tattoo on the dudes back at the end is liz taylor
The song is from the movie Moonwalker which the original music video comes from, it has a story, it’s similar to progressive rock bands who had albums that told a story
Very cool!
What would Michael Jackson have said if he met Darth Vader? A: Ani are you OK? Are you OK Ani?
One of the most clever video ever
Ani is Padmes name for Anakin Skywalker and after his mother is killed and he sees visions of Padmes death he is not ok.
I can remember where I was when I first saw the Thriller album cover when it first came out, I was in elementary school. To see someone watch this video and not react to the "lean" is kind of strange. If you haven't seen the MJ's Smooth Criminal video, watch it and you will understand what I mean by that. And then watch Billie Jean, with the cuts of just the eyes and the mailbox lighting up. You will have a much greater appreciation for the detail and the homage they pay to MJ. Even the car exploding from Black and White, to the Dirty Diana air vents. They did him proud.
Both versions are awesome
Michael Jackson actually loved hard rock music and that is why he had Eddie Van Halen play on his song "BAD". One of the greatest guitar solos in pop music.
Recently bought/downloaded the full album out of nostalgia, but this was the only track that appealed to me.
The rest of the album *SUX!!!!*.
Ooohh
That is Michael Peter Balzary 'Flea', the bassist from Red Hot Chili Peppers at the end.
The eyes at the end from "Thriller" ending. Many don't catch it.
MJ brought everyone together. He is the Goat. There is so much in this song. I remember moonwalker comming out. The lean and the moon walk. You can say whatever. He really did bring community and kids in neighborhood together. If anyone ask me today who was my hero growing up. It was MJ.. as i got older this is a very disturbing song
Bringing adults, children and chimpanzees together in a communal bed for playtime!
I just noticed that the kid dancing in the MK surgical mask is also wearing an E.T. t-shirt. Jackson recorded an album narrating the movie (audiobook-style) and wrote a song for it called "Someone in the Dark." Nice, Alien Ant Farm! Deep cut!
The E.T reference on the t-shirt was in relation to "phone home" in cases where you have been inappropriately touched by a black/dark brown/light brown/tanned/white guy with disfigurations to his face and the voice of a creepy child!
Who is your Annie... and what does she do?
This was on my playlist while doing dishes for my family around...2002?
Along with malice mizer
No kids were touched or molested in making of this video. I wish Jacko could have said the same thing 😂❤😂
Great cover! They put their own spin on the song without butchering it. That said, while Alien Ant Farm is a talented band, but I could never get into their songs.
Agreed
I remember when this came out, great cover/ remix
what i love in this video is the goofy guitar player that does the higher scream :D oh i just noticed he also does a bit of bass slapping like Fieldy in Korn does. i never noticed that before.
I just turned 40. And sweetheart, I love the reaction. Bit you made me feel old as hell by not getting all the video references. Damn. I'm 40 single and screwed lol also, mj loved this version so much. He let them keep the royalties from it.
Just saw these guys a few months ago. Makes 4 or 5 times. My band managing buddy used them a few times back in the day as an opening act. Good times.
He loved exotic animals
This came out when I was in high school and being named after MJ it kicked since I was a goth skater punk metalhead outcast
Aww 🩷🩷🩷
🐵 Bubbles was MJ monkeys name 😂...
Enjoy 😊
Take Care ✌️💕
There's an amalgamation of Jackson's music videos here all in homage to the King of Pop, during the height of the 90's Nu-metal scene. If you're not familiar with MJ's videos, you will have missed a lot. I especially love the Bubbles and white glove homage (the monkey and the chair they're in). I think that the level of detail that they not only put into the music itself, but the video using the history of MJ being kinda celebrated in a cross-cultural or cross-genre way is a very respectful nod to the King of Pop. Once you watch Thriller, Billy Jean, Bad, and Smooth Criminal music videos, come back and watch this again. I'm sure there's more 'Easter eggs' that even I have missed. Love the reaction video, this channel is one of my new favorites and I look forward to seeing more of what you've put out Maddy!
🩷🩷🩷
You talked about how the Lyrics are dark on such an upbeat song...
People say the same about *Foster the people (Pumped Up Kicks)*
Ahhh
Many references to Michael Jackson stuff in this video: the chimpanzee, the glowing sidewalk, the split screens, the lean, the reptilian eyes, etc.
Maddy Awesome Video Today!!🔥🐐🐐💎
eyes at the end reference to Thriller
Maddy is so pretty her smile does it for me ❤
There were tons of easter eggs referencing other Michael Jackson videos. If you watch this video again after seeing more if MJs work you will pick up more of them next time.
AAF is a tough band. They had a rough go, when they were on tour in Europe and got in a bus wreck and a few of crew were killed. They are just now starting to tour again. They had a show just recently here in Seattle.
Encapsulated allmost all the video trajectory of MJ’s career and video cliche’s
Movies by AAF is also one of many bangers 🙂↕️
0:52: EH! Wrong answer. The mask is a nod to Jackson's assumed anxiety to which he would wear a mask for whatever reason.
lol in 2002 a gremlin was worth scrap value. welcome to the modern world that car is worth so much more, i'd LOVE to own a gremlin these days. such classics. This song and it's era of music videos bring me back to a teen immediately. Sum41 videos do the same thing.
That was a pacer not a gremlin. Here's a tip gremlins are square and pacers are egg shaped. Watch Wayne's world because Garth drove a pacer
I am with you. I thought they did an amazing job with this song. Put their own spin on it but still paid homage to Michael.
Agree
The facemask wasn't a covid situation it was a Michal Jackson thing. There was a time he would always wear one on public which prompted rumors that he had a bad plastic surgery result (lose yourself Eminem) or that it was a double so he didn't have to deal with the swarming public which I think coincided with his first child.
Hi Maddy, Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. I really miss the old days when MTV was actually music television, instead of whatever it is now. Very creative and well produced visuals to go with really good songs. ✌️☮️🤙🤟🎸🎶🎵🎼🥁🎤❤️
Nope, I don’t disagree. I know the name Ant Farm. However, It’s been a long time since I heard anything they have done. I like their version. Like you said. It’s on Par. The sound is great, and it’s fun to hear the song in another genre. They did it justice. Now I feel the need to go back and check out their music. I’m very curious to hear more of their work. 👍🏼
As a teen in the 80s, I was witness to MJs' entire career, but was never really drawn to much of his music...so, I, wholeheartedly confess that I prefer this iteration of Smooth Criminal. Of course, all the MJ Easter eggs are to be expected in such a tribute, but why the brief ode to The King Of The Hill cartoon [1:16 mark of original video] ?? I never watched the series, so I might be missing some connection.
nice rendition!
That wasn't Bubbles... Bubbles would have eaten your face off :)
They didn't call him Bubbles the Brutaliser for nothing!
On par? This blows the original out of the water!!!!!!!!!! And I like the original!!!!
If only you actually caught all the MJ references in this video....
Love this version of smooth criminal. You don't seem to be familiar with MJ's music but you missed a lot of references to his songs and videos in this video. Also, the mask has nothing to do with Covid. MJ wore one regularly. Dive into some MJ videos and revisit this one and it'll make more sense to you.
You're adorable when you don't get all the references.
😂
On the contrary in order to fully appreciate this song and music video you need to be first and foremost a MJ fan because AAF is paying homage to MJ. The more you know MJ the more you pick up all the references. This has got to be one of the most successful cross genre covers I've ever heard.
Cool!
You don't have to be a Jackson fan but you need to be familiar with his life and his work. The only Jackson song I'm a fan of is THRILLER and that's mainly for the video
Alien Ant Farms song Movies is really Great too! Give it a shot. Luv your reaco.. Not like you haven't heard that before.. 🔥🙃
Annie was a CPR practice dummy.
I love MJ but I actually think this cover is a super rare occurrence where it's better than the original.
This, Sound of Silence by Disturbed, and Holding out for a Hero, the Shrek 2 version,
top 3 greatest covers that I think surpass the original.
Honorable mention is Bad Wolves cover of Zombie, though I don't think it surpasses the original, it is certainly on par with it.